30th October 2022

 Weather:  SE force 4/5

 Hilbre did not disappoint this morning with the first round of the traps producing 3 splendid birds to ring including this Brambling which is a less than annual ringing 'tick' for the island.

Three others passed thorough calling overhead, while other finches on passage were 25 Chaffinches, 2 Goldfinches and 6 Siskin. Another infrequent visitor to the heligoland traps was this Sparrowhawk.

 More regular was a male Blackcap which appears at most times of migration.

 A Redwing was still here from some days ago, and today some 15 Blackbirds and 2 Song Thrushes were noted. The visible passage also included over 20 Starlings, a Reed Bunting, several dozen Meadow Pipits and a Skylark flying south. Eight hundred or so Cormorants flew out at first light. Mid-morning a late Wheatear appeared on the island.

Photos AEH, SRW